Capacity building of stakeholders involved in ......institutes with farmers groups in the Dzongkhag workshops. Monitoring of 13 new and 5 weaker farmers vegetable groups was done

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Capacity building of stakeholders involved in

institutional linkage and monitoring of new farmers

groups

15th March to 30th June 2014

Submitted to SNV BHUTAN

Natural Resources Management Consultancy Services

Chang Jalug, Thimphu

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Table of Contents

List of tables and figures (4)

Executive Summary (6)

Acknowledgements (8)

1.0 Concept (9)

1.1 Background (9)

1.2 Objectives of the workshop (10)

1.3 Schedule of the workshops in the six eastern Dzongkhags (11)

1.4 Programme for the Dzongkhag workshop (11)

1.5 Output from the Dzongkhag workshop (12)

1.6 Other agendas of the Dzongkhag Workshops (12)

1.7 Awarding of certificates to FGs that performed well in 2013 (15)

1.8 Media coverage (15)

2.0 Introduction (16)

2.1 Linking of institutes with available farmers groups (16)

2.2 Lessons learnt from the linking exercise (17)

2.3 Role of different agencies in institutional linkage (18)


3.1 Methodology of monitoring (20)

3.2 Discussion topics for monitoring meetings (20)

3.3 Expected outcome of the monitoring exercise (22)

3.4 Outputs from monitoring of specific FGs (23)

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3.5 Action points that emerged from the monitoring exercise (38)


4.1 Vegetable requirements in Boarding Schools (40)

4.2 Vegetable requirements by religious institutes (45)

4.3 Vegetable requirement in Colleges under RUB and private college (52)

4.4 Vegetable requirements in Vocational Institutes (TTI & IZC) (53)

4.5 Vegetable requirement in Hospitals (54)

4.6 Vegetable requirement in Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) (55)

4.7 Vegetable requirement of Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) (56)

4.8 Vegetable requirement of Royal Body Guard (RBG) (57)

4.9 Analysis of vegetable requirements in various institutes (57)

4.10.0 Way forward (59)

5.0 References (61)

6.0 Annexures (62)

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List of tables and figures

Table 1.3.1 Schedule of Dzongkhag workshops in the east

Table 1.4.1 Programme for the Dzongkhag workshops

Table 1.5.1 Action plan for linking farmers groups with institutes in supplying

vegetables for the 2015 academic year

Table 3.4.1 List of VVCP-E Farmers Groups monitored

Table 4.1.1 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Boarding

Schools that have common mess

Table 4.2.1 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Rabdeys &

Zhung Dratshang that has common mess

Table 4.2.2 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Shedras &

Lobdras that has common mess

Table 4.2.3 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Nunneries in

Bhutan that have common mess

Table 4.2.4 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure for private

religious institutes registered under Department of Culture

Table 4.3.1 Weekly vegetable requirement in Colleges under Royal

University of Bhutan and private college that has common mess

Table 4.4.1 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for TTI and IZC

under MoLHR that have common mess

Table 4.5.1 Estimated weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for

Hospitals that require vegetables for patients

Table 4.6.1 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure for RBP and

prisons that have common mess

Table 4.7.1 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure by RBA that

have common mess

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Table 4.8.1 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure in RBG

Dechencholing

Fig.4.2.1 Weekly vegetable requirement (kg) and expenditures by different

types of religious institutes

Fig.4.9.1 Annual requirement of vegetable (ton) and expenditures (Nu) for

various institutes in the country

Fig.4.9.2 Percent requirement of vegetables in various institutes

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Executive Summary

In this assignment, four different tasks were executed: conducting 1 day

workshops in 6 eastern Dzongkhags; linking 2-4 institutes with farmers

groups in each of the 6 Dzongkhags; monitoring 18 new/weaker farmers

groups growing vegetables; and determining vegetable requirement of all

institutes having common mess in the country. The work was done from

March to June 2014.

The objective of the Dzongkhag workshops was to build capacity of the main

stakeholders in facilitating the process of linking farmers groups with

institutes in supplying vegetables with the goal of linking all institutes with

farmers groups from beginning of 2015. All Agriculture Extension Agents,

Gups and Dzongkhag Agriculture and Education Officers participated in the

workshop. The participants were appraised on the process of institutional

linkage in detailed steps and made their roles and responsibilities clear. They

were taken through the contractual agreement preparation and facilitation of

price negotiation of vegetables. A role-play of buyers and sellers was acted

out to make the process clear. The outcome of the workshop is an action

plan by each geog in all the 6 eastern Dzongkhags on linking remaining

institutes with farmers groups. The participants were also briefed by FCBL on

physical marketing of RNR products.

It was planned to link 2-4 institutes with farmers group in each of the 6

Dzongkhags. The objective of this exercise was to provide on-the job

coaching and support to the direct local facilitators to execute new contracts.

But this couldn’t be done for all Dzongkhags due to lack of farmers groups

near institutes. Only 5 institutes were linked with farmers groups in 3

Dzongkhags. To make up for this, role-play of buyers and sellers was done;

roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders was made clear; and action plan

for all geogs in 6 eastern Dzongkhags was prepared in linking remaining

institutes with farmers groups in the Dzongkhag workshops.

Monitoring of 13 new and 5 weaker farmers vegetable groups was done. The

main objective of monitoring the selected groups was to motivate the five

weaker groups and create awareness as how the groups should function for

the 13 new groups. With assistance from Dzongkhag and Geog Agriculture

Officers, meetings were scheduled with the groups. The groups were visited

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with representatives from SNV, RAMCO and Geog Agriculture Extension

Agents. The groups were briefed on various topics pertaining to group

management and also issues about production and marketing of vegetables.

Interactive sessions were held to further clarify on the questions, issues and

constraints that the farmers groups were facing.

Realizing the market potential in institutes in the country, an exercise was

carried out to identify all kinds of institutes in the country that have common

mess requiring vegetables. The vegetable requirement of each institute was

determined and expenditures for vegetables by each institute estimated. The

findings are summarized in the box below:

Institute Annual

requirement

of veg (ton)

Annual

expenditure

on veg (Nu)

% requirement of

veg by institutes

Boarding Schools 2041 40,820,000 26

Religious Institutes 556 11,120,000 7

Colleges 273 5,460,000 3

Vocational Institutes 125 2,500,000 2

Hospitals 94 1,880,000 1

RBP 209 4,180,000 3

RBA 4563 91,260,000 58

Total 7861 157,220,000 100

The institutional market requires 7861 ton of vegetables annually and the

farmers groups has the opportunity to earn an income of Nu.157,220,000

annually by supplying vegetables to the institutes. RBA has the maximum

requirement of vegetables at 7861 tons annually (58%) followed by

Boarding schools at 2041 tons annually (26%).

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Acknowledgements

I am very grateful to SNV Bhutan for giving me the opportunity to carry out

this assignment. In particular I thank Mr. Rik van Keulen and Mr. Binai Lama

who had travelled all the way to attend the first workshop in Tashigang

wherein his comments were very valuable for the following workshops. I

thank Mr. Kencho Wangdi, the Country Representative of SNV Bhutan for his

kind support.

I sincerely acknowledge the strong support from Mr. Bhim Raj Gurung

(Marketing Specialist) and his team from RAMCO Mongar especially Mr.

Karma Tenzin and Mr. Rinchen Dorji. Mr. Bhim Raj Gurung has strongly

supported this work by participating in almost all the Dzongkhag workshops

and contributed significantly to the assignment. Mr. Karma Tenzin

accompanied me for the whole duration of the workshops, monitoring and

linking exercises. He came out with many brilliant ideas and suggestions for

the assignment and also supported in logistical arrangements.

I thank all the six eastern Dzongkhags DAOs and ADAOs for logistical

arrangements and participation in the workshops. I am grateful to the

Agriculture Extension Agents involved in monitoring of the groups in the

geogs for their kind support.

The participation of DEOs in the workshops is highly appreciated and I

acknowledge the support from the Principals and Mess Incharges of schools

and institutes involved in linking with farmers groups.

I thank the participation of all the Gups of six eastern Dzongkhags in the

workshops and my special thanks to the farmers groups whom I interacted

during the monitoring exercises.

I thank all the individuals from various institutes who provided me with

information on institutional requirement of vegetables.

I wish and hope that all the different institutes in the country are linked with

farmers groups in supplying vegetables in the near future.

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Chapter 1

Linking farmers groups with institutes in supplying vegetables

through legal contractual agreements

1.0 Concept

Farmers groups near institutes undertake to meet all vegetable requirement

of the institute through drawing up legal contractual agreement where prices

of vegetables are fixed in the beginning for a fixed period. The institutes

serve as sustainable market for the farmers as they require vegetables

throughout the year. In turn the institutes get almost organic fresh

vegetables every week which is nutritious for the consumers in the

institutes.

1.1 Background

The aspiration of linking farmers groups to the local institutes to supply

agricultural products had started in the late 1990s in the eastern region.

However, due to lack of an enabling environment such as the Co-operative

Act, it could not progress. Although the Cooperatives Act was passed in

2001, farmers’ group registration was not covered by the Act. With the

amendment of the Cooperatives Act in 2009 and framing of the Corporate

Rules and Regulations in 2010 (CRR 2010), an enabling environment for

farmers’ group registration had been created.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on 19th April 2012

between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests

to pilot Gyelposhing HSS under Mongar Dzongkhag and Jaker HSS under

Bumthang Dzongkhag in buying vegetables locally from farmers close to the

respective schools and to scale up this model nationally in all the schools, if

found feasible.

In the early part of 2012, sparked by the rupee crunch, the RGoB has

decided to become self-sufficient in vegetables by 2014. Vegetable

Production and Marketing Plan has been developed and is being pursued by

Department of Agriculture and Department of Agricultural Marketing and

Cooperatives. Coupled with the above developments, RAMCO and SNV

Bhutan had been promoting the Off-season vegetable program from the

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beginning of 2012 in eastern Bhutan (now called Vegetable Value Chain

Programme for East: VVCP-E) with the aim of supplying to domestic market

as well as exporting vegetables to Assam from May-September.

During the exploratory visits to Boarding schools in eastern region by

SNV/RAMCO in 2012, all schools expressed the willingness to buy vegetables

locally and it was found that some schools have already encouraged farmers

to grow vegetables and supply to the schools. Some of the schools were

following the directives of Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs to buy

vegetables from the farmers during vegetable season. During the monitoring

of the VVCP-E, the clusters showed interest to link with the schools in their

geogs since the markets in Assam were not reliable.

Drawing contractual agreements on supply of vegetables has mutual benefit

to both farmers and schools as schools get fresh vegetables and farmers can

save on transport and transaction cost compared to other markets. In fact

the limited requirement of vegetables by the schools matches the lower

production capacity of our farmers at the moment.

More institutes were linked with farmers groups towards end of 2012 by

RAMCO & SNV and the linkage continued in 2013. By end of 2013, 31

institutes mainly schools were linked with 57 farmers groups covering 795

households. In 2013, the 31 institutes consumed 661,440 kg of vegetables

equivalent of Nu.11,082,350. Schools alone require 149,921 kg or 150 tons

of vegetables per month equivalent to Nu.2,352,998 in the eastern region.

By May 2014, 40 institutes had been linked with 89 farmers groups in the

eastern region.

1.2 Objectives of the workshop

Based on experiences from 2012-2013 of linking 31 institutes with 57

farmers groups, a guideline for facilitation of contractual supply of RNR

products by farmers groups to institutes was developed. The objectives of

the Dzongkhag workshop were:

i) To train all the Agriculture Extension Agents and Gups of six

eastern Dzongkhags in how to facilitate linkages between institutes

and farmers groups

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ii) To draw up a workplan for each geog in all the six eastern

Dzongkhags on institutional linkages by end of May 2014

The ultimate goal is, from beginning of 2015, vegetable requirements of all

types of institutes in the six eastern Dzongkhags be met by farmers groups

through contractual agreements and to scale up this model to the whole

country, later.

1.3 Schedule of the workshops in the six eastern Dzongkhags

The workshops were held in all the six eastern Dzongkhags as scheduled in

Table 1.3.1.

Table 1.3.1 Schedule of Dzongkhag workshops in the east

Dzongkhag Workshop date Venue No. of participants

Tashigang 21 Apr 2014 DYT Hall 44

Tashi Yangtse 24 Apr 2014 DYT Hall 23

Pemagatshel 30 Apr 2014 DYT Hall 25

Samdrup Jongkhar 1 May 2014 DYT Hall 23

Mongar 7 May 2014 DYT Hall 46

Lhuentse 8 May 2014 DYT Hall 25

The list of participants of the workshops is given in annex 1.3.

1.4 Programme for the Dzongkhag workshop

The programme for the workshops was as given in Table 1.4.1.

Table 1.4.1 Programme for the Dzongkhag workshops

Time Particular Remarks

8:30-9:00 Registration Karma Tenzin, RAMCO

9:00-9:15 Opening Remarks Dzongkhag

9:15-9:45 Institutional supply of

vegetables and lessons

learnt

Karma Tenzin, RAMCO

9:45-10:30 Taking through the

Guideline

Thinlay Wangchuk, NRM Consultancy Services

10:30-11:00 Tea break

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11:00-11:30 Contractual Agreement


11:30-12:00 Roles & responsibilities of

Geog & Dzongkhag


12:00-13:00 Role Play on contracting

process


13:00-14:00 Lunch

14:00-14:45 Preparation of action

plan by each geog

Karma Tenzin, RAMCO

14:45-15:15 Briefing on Co-operatives

& BOIC

Rinchen Dorji, RAMCO

15:15-15:30 Tea break

15:30-16:15 Briefing from FCB on

new developments

Karma Nidup, CEO, FCB

1.5 Output from the Dzongkhag workshop

The output from the Dzongkhag workshop is a geog plan on linking institutes

with farmers groups for all the geogs in the six eastern Dzongkhags. The

plans will be submitted to RAMCO Mongar by end of May 2014. The likely

outcomes will be formation of new farmers groups to supply vegetables to

the institutes. Linking farmers groups with institutes will take place by

November 2014 so that farmers group can supply vegetable to the institutes

from beginning of 2015.

The roles and responsibilities of Geog and Dzongkhag stakeholders were

identified and briefed in the Dzongkhag workshops.

The compiled action plan of different Dzongkhags for linking farmers groups

with institutes is given in Table 1.5.1. The action plan shall be executed in

2014 for supply of vegetables in the 2015 academic year.

Table 1.5.1 Action plan for linking farmers groups with institutes in supplying

vegetables for the 2015 academic year

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Dzongkhag Geog Name of institute New FGs to

be formed

When?

(month)

Linkage

when?

Lhuntse

Tshenkhar

Tshochen PS Barchu Jul-Aug Nov-Dec

Wambur Khimgong Jul-Aug Nov-Dec

Autsho LSS Fawan toe Jul-Aug Jul-Aug

Kharphu

Kurtoed Dungkhar PS

Dungkhar Jul-Aug

Nov-Dec Serphu

Jatsabi

Jarey

Ladrong PS Ladrong Aug-Sep Nov-Dec

Zangkhar PS Yabi

Aug-Sep Nov-Dec Changkhala

Metsho Gortsum PS Gortsum Jul-Aug Nov-Dec

Gangzur Thimyul LSS Linung Aug-Sep Nov-Dec

Mongar

Shershong Serzhong LSS

Aumtsu

GonorGongphel

Chithuen

Detshen

T/Yangtse Teodtsho

Jangphutse

Community School

Jangphu Feb Nov-Dec

Nangkhar

Nangkhar Gonpa

Dratshang

Jangphu Feb Nov-Dec

Nangkhar

Trashigang

Khaling

Jeri Primary School Jeri farmers

group

Jun Aug

Barshong Karma

Theaksum Dechoeling

Dratshang

Thrizor and

Drepangthang

farmers group

Jun Aug

Thrimshing Thrimshing MSS FG formed Mar Sep-Oct

Kangpara

Kangpara LSS Kangpara

vegetable

group

May

S/Jongkhar

Dewathang

Jigmi Namgay

Polytechnic

Rikhey

Gomdar Gomdar LSS Rechangloo

Lauri Lauri CPS

Lauri Women

Chilli Group

Lauri Potato

Group

Phunyshothang Karmaling HSS

Khameythang

Community

Seed Bank

Group

Serthi Menjiwoong LSS Deptshang

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From Table 1.5.1, most of the institutes listed were schools (only few

religious institutes were listed). Since the strategy is to create market for

our farmers through institutional supply, there is a need to explore all types

of institutes and not only restricting to schools. Even some schools are

missing for example Udzorong LSS in Tashigang. Therefore RAMCO and

Dzongkhags should once again follow up with the geogs to ensure that all

institutes in the geogs are linked with the farmers groups.

1.6 Other agendas of the Dzongkhag Workshops

In addition to the institutional linking, a short briefing was done on

Cooperatives and business opportunities information centre (BOIC).

The Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL) made a detailed presentation

about their mandates; roles and responsibilities; and new mandate of

physical marketing for all RNR products from 2014. Their concept and

proposal is excellent provided that it can be implemented as stated in the

workshops.

Their proposal also has relevance not only to the institutional linkage but

also to the VVCP-E as a whole.

In brief, they have a 3 window concept where in the first compartment all

FCBL products would be made available to the farmers on credit. In the

second compartment they would have all inputs required by farmers such as

seeds, fertilizers, feeds, tools and implements. The third compartment would

store products bought from the farmers to be transported to other markets.

Such shops would be located in strategic locations.

Collection sheds would be constructed in strategic places and farmers groups

and individual farmers can bring their products to the collection centre from

where FCBL will buy on cash basis. FCBL will offer buy-back guarantee as

well as prices will be fixed in the beginning of the season. This physical

marketing by FCB is for all RNR products and these will solve the marketing

problem faced by our farmers groups (FGs).

On the institutional linkage side, FCBL would be providing 9 non-perishable

items to all the schools from July 2014. In addition they could also supply

vegetables to the schools after buying from the farmers. In this way,

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difficulty of supplying vegetables to the institutes from Feb-Apr could be

avoided as FCBL can mobilize the vegetables easily during those months.

FCBL is also opening retail shops in the Dzongkhags to stabilize prices of

commodities which is well received by all the consumers.

1.7 Awarding of certificates to FGs that performed well in 2013

For Tashigang Dzongkhag those farmers groups that performed well in 2013

according to the Mock Audit exercise were awarded recognition certificates

during the workshop by Dasho Dzondrab of Tashigang. The outstanding

groups under Tashigang Dzongkhag were:

i) Thragom Vegetable Group under Kanglung geog

ii) Tshetsey Tshongdrel Detshen under Bartsham geog

iii) Melphey Vegetable production and Marketing Group under Samkhar

geog

iv) Jomo Dangling Tshetsey Detshen under Khaling geog

v) One Stop Farmers Shop in Khaling

The certificates for outstanding groups in other eastern Dzongkhags were

handed over to the DAOs for awarding to the FGs.

1.8 Media coverage

There was good coverage of the workshops in the media for Tashigang,

Samdrup Jongkhar, Mongar and Lhuentse Dzongkhags both in Kuensel and

BBS.

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Chapter 2

Linking farmers groups with institutes – practical training for

facilitators

2.0 Introduction

In following up to the Dzongkhag workshops, it was planned to link 2-4 new

institutes with farmers groups per Dzongkhag. The objective of this exercise

was to provide on-the job coaching and support to the direct local facilitators

to execute new contracts.

However, this plan couldn’t be executed fully due to lack of farmers groups

near the institutes and some institutes having tendered out vegetable supply

for the academic year. Therefore new strategies were devised to address the

above issue as described below:

i) We introduced a role-play during the workshop in which the whole

process of making a contractual agreement was acted out. The

linking exercise in selected geogs would have benefitted only the

AEA and Gup of that particular geog but the role-play exercise was

useful to all the participants of the given Dzongkhag.

ii) All the Agriculture Extension Agents together with the Gups were

asked to prepare a work plan for their geog for institutional linkage.

iii) The roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in making

contractual agreements were made clear to all the participants.

2.1 Linking of institutes with available farmers groups

i) Three farmers groups of Chaling (22 hh), Shongphu (18 hh) and

Dangrey (16 hh) under Shongphu geog of Tashigang Dzongkhag

are linked with Technical Training Institute (TTI) of Rangjung and

Rangjung Dratshang on 22nd April 2014. A total of 37 people

participated in the linkage meeting. The requirement of vegetables

for Technical Training Institute of Rangjung is 500 kg per week. The

contract will come in effect from 1st August 2014 to 30th June 2015.

Rangjung Dratshang requires 200 kg of vegetables per week and

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the three farmers groups will supply from 1st June to 31st December

2014.

ii) The Yemkhar group consisting of 10 households under Thrimshing

geog of Tashigang Dzongkhag was linked with Thunkar LSS on 28th

April 2014. A total of 17 people participated in the meeting. The

school requires 410 kg vegetables per week. The contract is signed

for the remaining of 2014 i.e. from 1st May 2014 to 18th Dec 2014.

iii) The Thragom Tshetsey Thuenkey Tshongdrel Detshen consisting of

17 members under Yallang geog of Tashiyangtse Dzongkhag was

linked with Thragom LSS on 26th April 2014. A total of 23 people

participated in the meeting. The school requires 200 kg of

vegetables per week and the contractual agreement has been

drawn for the remaining period of 2014 i.e. from April to 18 Dec

2014.

iv) The Wenghartsing (13 hh) and Bazoor (11 hh) FGs of Dremetse

geog under Mongar Dzongkhag were linked with Dremetse MSS on

3rd May 2014. A total of 31 people participated in the meeting. The

school requires 1138 kg of vegetables per week. The contract is

signed for six months i.e., from Jul to 18 Dec 2014.

2.2 Lessons learnt from the linking exercise

i) The AEAs should prepare the farmers groups before the negotiation

meeting. The AEAs need to discuss with farmers groups on linking

program, disadvantages/advantages of institutional supply, and

determining prices of the vegetables.

ii) The FGs should be made aware of the cost of production of each

vegetable so that they have a basis for their price. FGs should be

made aware on wholesaling and retailing concepts. They shouldn’t

expect market retail price from institutes.

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iii) The FGs should, before the price negotiation, have an idea of

minimum price they are going to charge for each vegetable based

on cost of production and also acceptable price to them.

iv) The institutes should decide range of prices per vegetable based on

budget and quantity of vegetable required. However, it should be

agreeable to the farmers (seller).

v) Along with the passing of responsibilities to AEAs, they should be

incentivized and their contribution recognized. For example, best

performing AEAs could be given a certificate of recognition by the

respective Dzongdags at the end of the vegetable season.

2.3 Role of different agencies in institutional linkage

The roles of different stakeholders are given below for linking farmers

groups with institutes in supplying vegetables.

Dzongkhag Education Officer i. To sensitize schools on VVCP school linkage programme

ii. To advocate school linkage programme in Ministry of Education for replication in other areas

Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer i) Overall incharge for school linking programme in dzongkhag

ii) To advocate school linkage programme in Ministry & other relevant projects for replication

iii) Support EAs in identifying potential schools/ institutes iv) Support formation of new farmer groups

v) Support strengthening of farmer groups (production, harvesting, post-harvest, planning process, infrastructure)

vi) Provide monthly information on school linkage sales & income to RAMCO

vii) Bi-annual monitoring visits to linked institutes and farmer groups viii) Profiling school linkage programme in media

Agriculture Extension Agent

i) Identify potential institutes for linkages with support from gups

ii) Form & support new farmer groups for linkage iii) Prepare farmer groups for contracting with institutes

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iv) Actual facilitation of contracting process between farmer groups &

institutes v) Strengthen farmer groups in production, harvesting & supplying to

institutes vi) Implement proper record & book keeping in farmer groups

vii) Monthly monitoring & reporting to DAO of linked institutes and FGs viii) Minor mediation between institutes & farmer groups

Geog administration (Gup, Mangmi, GAO)

i) Support in identifying potential institutes & forming new farmer groups ii) Advocate on school linkages for up scaling & replication

iii) Support facilitation of contracting process between farmer groups & institutes

iv) Support in monthly monitoring & reporting process v) Minor mediations between institutes & farmer groups

RAMCO

i) To provide overall support to the program in terms of budget and

inputs through MAGIP

ii) To coordinate the VVCP-E through annual coordination meetings

and other workshops as and when required

iii) To build capacity of both farmers groups and EAs in many areas

such as book-keeping, leadership, gender

iv) Support in facilitation of institutional linkage processes and support

FCBL

Starting from 2014, FCBL will be heavily involved in physical marketing of

RNR products. This will ease the marketing difficulties for our farmers. FCBL

could even supply vegetables to the institutes along with the 9 products that

they are already supplying to the schools after buying from the farmers.

That way the farmers don’t have to worry about not meeting vegetable

requirement of the institutes.

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Chapter 3

Monitoring of the VVCP-E Farmers Vegetable Groups

3.0 Introduction

Thirteen newly formed VVCP-E groups and five weaker groups (identified

during Mock Auditing in 2013) were selected for monitoring in Apr-May

2014. The main objective of monitoring the selected groups was to motivate

the five weaker groups and create awareness as how the groups should

function for the 13 new groups.

3.1 Methodology of monitoring

The 2 men team (LCB of SNV) and Mr. Karma Tenzin from RAMCO Mongar

visited each of the groups in their villages along with the respective geog

AEAs. The DAOs were informed through telephone and met prior to the

monitoring exercises. The AEAs of the respective geogs were requested to

inform the groups and arrange meetings for the monitoring team and join

the monitoring team during the monitoring exercise.

The monitoring was done in Apr-May 2014 as per schedule given in Annex

3.1.

3.2 Discussion topics for monitoring meetings

Since the main objective of monitoring was to motivate farmers groups and

create awareness for them, the following topics were discussed with them in

all the 18 groups. The meeting covered five main topics such as:

i) Introduction

ii) Production aspects

iii) Harvesting and packaging techniques

iv) Marketing aspects

v) Issues/constraints

Under the introduction section, the following topics were covered:

Background on the VVCP-E (how it started; highlights of 2012 & 2013)

Economics of vegetables in Bhutan – plan & policies

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Depends heavily on veg imports which could be turned into

opportunity for export especially from May-Sep

Advantages of vegetable business – only 60% requirement met

Logics of forming groups – results in increased volume & cut down on

transport costs

How groups should function (should have clear tangible objectives &

function as per by-laws)

Group management (by-laws, gender, cash book, stock register,

account, receipts and seal of the FGs)

Roles & responsibilities of RAMCO Mongar vis-à-vis DAMC and that of

Department of Agriculture

The followings topics were discussed under the production aspects section:

DoA (Dzongkhag & Geog Agriculture) is fully responsible for production

aspects of vegetables

Vegetables which can be harvested 3-4 times per year compared to

annual crops is advantageous to farmers with small landholdings

For vegetable business, farmers should be able to produce assorted

vegetables at the same time

Needs proper planning to produce assorted vegetables at the same

time (seek help from AEAs)

Production of vegetables is the main role of the farmers

Under the harvesting & packaging techniques section, the importance of

proper harvesting, handling and packaging of vegetables was emphasized to

all the groups.

To maintain quality of the vegetables, it is very important to harvest,

handle & package vegetables properly

Proper harvesting & packaging vegetables videos were shown to all the

18 groups

Further discussions were held after the video show to clear all doubts

The following topics were discussed under the marketing aspects section:

RAMCO Mongar (DAMC) is responsible for facilitating marketing

aspects and FCBL will be engaged in physical marketing

Marketing is main role of FCBL/traders (not of farmers)

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Vegetable business should be based on quality & trust between

producers and traders

Should practice high volume & lower profit margin in vegetable

business due to perishability nature of the products

Need to form groups to have enough volume of assorted vegetables

for marketing

Internal market such as institutes are advantageous to producers as

they can save on transport costs (results of transport costs discussed)

External market for vegetables exist from May to Sep yearly in India

but market requirements are specific for each type of vegetables

Important to have Group Coordinator for marketing of vegetables

Equally important to institute incentivizing Group Coordinators

Important to reduce price of vegetables with time as quality of

vegetables deteriorate (explained with examples)

3.3 Expected outcome of the monitoring exercise

At the end of the monitoring exercise the following outcomes are expected

through creation of awareness to the farmers groups:

i) FGs realized that there is market for vegetables – both internal &

external – as only 60% of requirement are met internally

ii) FGs realized that groups should have clear tangible objectives and

should function according to their by-laws

iii) By forming into groups they can meet market requirement and save

on transport costs and labour costs of marketing

iv) FGs realized the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders

and knows whom to approach when faced with difficulties

v) It is advantageous to cultivate vegetables (3-4 harvests per

annum) given small landholdings

vi) FGs realized importance of producing assorted vegetables at the

same time in vegetable business which requires proper planning

with support from AEAs and using cropping calendar produced by

RDC Wengkhar

vii) FGs realized importance of proper harvesting, handling and

packaging of vegetables to maintain quality of vegetables

viii) FGs realized that vegetable business should be based on quality &

trust between producers and traders

23

ix) FGs realized that they should practice high volume & lower profit

margin in vegetable business

x) FGs realized the roles of Group Coordinator & that they should be

incentivized for their services to the groups

3.4 Outputs from monitoring of specific FGs

The 18 VVCP-E farmers groups were monitored and the outputs from the

discussion of specific groups are described in this section.

Table 3.4.1 List of VVCP-E FGs monitored

No Name of the FGs Geog Dzongkhag Remarks

1

Pangkhar Vegetable Group

Khoma

Lhuentse

New

2

Domthang Tshetsey Detshen

Khamdang

Trashiyangtse

New

3

Thargom Tshetsey Thunkey Tshongdrel

Detshen

Yallang

Trashiyangtse

New

4

Gochang Tshetsey Detshen

Ramjar

Trashiyangtse

Weak

5

Jangjangma Tshetsey Detshen

Phongmey

Trashigang

New

6

Karmi Goenpa Tshetsey Detshen Phongmey

Trashigang

New

7

GazareeTrophel Tshetsey Detshen

Phongmey

Trashigang

New

8

Shokang Tshetsey Namdrel Detshen

Phongmey

Trashigang

New

9

Momnangkhar Tshetsey Detshen

Phongmey

Trashigang

New

10

Bargongpa Tshetsey Detshen

Phongmey

Trashigang

New

11

Bumtang Vegetable Group

Phongmey

Trashigang

New

12

Tshenkhar Tshetsey, Chithuen Detshen

Bidung

Trashigang

Weak

13

Bashong Vegetable group

Khaling

Trashigang

Weak

14

Gumchu Vegetable Group

Khaling

Trashigang

New

15

Yemkhar Vegetable Group

Thrimshing

Trashigang

New

16

Yalang Vegetable Group

Shumar

Pemagatshel

New

24

17

Bargonpa Rinzang Tshetsey Detshen

Nanong

Pemagatsel

Weak

18

Tokari Vegetable group

Nanong

Pemagatsel

Weak

The list of participants in each of the 18 monitoring meetings is given in

annex 3.4.

Name of Farmers’ Group

Phuntsho Kuenphel Tshetsey Detshen (Pangkhar)

Name of Group Coordinator

Jangchu Zangmo

Mobile # of Group Coordinator

1792 7216

Number of Group Members

2 M 9 F 11

Geog

Khoma

Dzongkhag

Lhuentse

Date of monitoring

9th May 2014

This is a new group formed towards end of 2013. The group has been linked

with Khoma LSS and had been supplying vegetables to the school since

beginning of 2014 through contractual agreement.

Their main constraint is lack of market for their vegetables as the Khoma

LSS can take in only about 2231 kg vegetables per month and the group

feels that they can produce much more than required by the school. Their

Dzongkhag market (Lhuentse) is also quite far from their village and lack of

transporters are a big issue especially in summer when their newly opened

farm road often gets blocked.

The solution to this problem could be offered by FCBL when they take over

physical marketing for all RNR products from this year.

The other issues mentioned were pest and disease; and lack of water for

which the group was directed to approach DoA in their Geog/Dzongkhag.

25


Domthang Tshetsey Detshen


Tashi Wangchuk


1738 0958


7 M 4 F 11

Geog

Khamdang

Dzongkhag

Tashiyangtse

Date of monitoring

14th April 2014

This is a new group formed towards end of 2013. They are linked with

Tshenkharla MSS along with two other groups from Thetsho geog. They have

started supplying vegetables to Tshenkharla MSS from beginning of 2014.

Their main issue is the market price of potato is comparatively high (Nu.25-

30) compared to what they get from the school (fixed at Nu.13/kg) for 2014.

They fear that they may not be able to recover from the loss on potato.

It also appears that there is some problems in managing the group as some

members were reluctant to support the Group Coordinator in arranging

vegetables to supply to the school. Their by-laws need to be strengthened

and the group requires training on book-keeping.

They have started sowing seeds but didn’t get cauliflower seeds, yet

(unfortunately the Agric EA could not participate in the meeting as he was

involved in land survey).

26


Thragom Tshetsey Thuenkey

Tshongdrel Detshen


Yeshey Tshewang


1740 6524


7 M 12 F 19

Geog

Yallang

Dzongkhag

Tashiyangtse

Date of monitoring

26th April 2014

This is a new group formed towards end of 2013 and is linked with the

Thragom LSS. They would be supplying vegetables to the school from May

2014. As the group is newly formed, they didn’t raise any issues or

constraints. One possible risk for this group is coordination of the group as

the houses are scattered in 3 different villages.

The FCBL representative briefed the group on physical marketing of RNR

products by FCBL starting from 2014. It was made clear that if farmers could

produce enough quantity and good quality vegetables and brought it to

designated areas (collection points), FCBL will buy from the farmers and

take to other areas for marketing.


Gochang Tshetsey Detshen


Jigme Dorji


1758 6078


10 M 2 F 12

Geog

Ramjar

Dzongkhag

Tashi Yangtse

Date of monitoring 8th April 2014

27

This is a weaker group (as identified by the Mock Auditing exercise in 2013)

as the score of the group was 0 (zero) in both governance and book keeping

indicators and also zero in overall indicator. The functioning of the group is

business as usual i.e., they sell individually to Tashigang market. From

2014, they are linked with Ramjar MSS along with other groups from Ramjar

geog.

The group doesn’t feel that they have much issues or constraints except for

wild animal damages.

The monitoring team visited the Ramjar MSS and the feedback from the

school was positive that all the groups supplied despite difficulties in getting

vegetables in Feb-Apr. The strategy to overcome difficulties in supply of

vegetables in Feb-Apr is to grow vegetables in lower areas of the geog and

to link with vegetable suppliers (traders).

The only problem was that their supply schedule was monthly and not

weekly per group. We suggested the advantages of weekly schedule and the

school agreed to try that idea after completion of one round of supply by all

groups.


Jangjangma Tshetsey Detshen


Tshering Penjor


1763 0434


5 M 9 F 14

Geog

Phongmey

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

10th April 2014

28

This is a new group formed towards end of 2013 and is linked with

Phongmey MSS along with 6 other groups from the geog. They have been

supplying vegetables to the school from beginning of 2014 academic year.

They have sown seeds and except for pest and disease, there are no major

issues/constraints, yet. Fortunately, the AEA has small stock of pesticides for

the geog.


Karmigoenpa Tshetsey Detshen


Sonam Zangmo


1764 7798


0 M 10 F 10

Geog

Phongmey

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

11th April 2014

This is totally all female group formed towards end of 2013 and is linked

with Phongmey MSS along with 6 other groups from the geog. They have

been supplying vegetables to the school from beginning of 2014 academic

year.

The interesting feature of this group is that most of the men are laymonks

who provides religious services to the community and it is mostly women

who take up agricultural activities.

They have water source but no pipes to bring the water to their kitchen

gardens. To begin with it would be useful to supply 1 bundle of pipes to each

group for watering the kitchen gardens. The farmers can then buy additional

pipes once they start earning from the sales of vegetables. The main issue is

29

wild animal damages caused by boar, deer and porcupine for which there is

no immediate solutions except for electric fencing.


Gazaree Trophel Tshetsey Detshen


Norbu Gyeltshen


1770 1379


1 M 15 F 16

Geog

Phongmey

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

10th April 2014

This is also a new group formed towards end of 2013 and is also a women’s

group except for 1 male member who is the group coordinator. The group is

also supplying vegetables to Phongmey MSS on contractual basis along with

6 other groups from the geog.

They have observed poor germination of vegetable seeds but are not sure

whether it is due to poor quality of seeds or poor soil fertility combined with

lack of water. Proper management is important so they need to get advice

from AEA. The group had sown the seeds that they got from the Agriculture

Extension Agent.

30


Shokang Tshetsey Namdrel Detshen


Jamyang Dorji


1758 5722


9 M 5 F 14

Geog

Phongmey

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

12th April 2014

This is a new group formed towards end of 2013 and is linked with



They have sown seeds and except for lack of water, there are no major

issues/constraints, yet. To address the water issue, they need pipes so that

water can be conducted to the kitchen gardens. Once water is brought near

kitchen gardens, then sprinklers can be used for watering. This will not only

assure uniform supply of water but also save labour.


Momnangkhar Tshetsey Detshen


Mrs. Sangay


1757 6746


4 M 8 F 12

Geog

Phongmey

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring 11th April 2014

31

This is also new group formed towards end of 2013 and is linked with



As they are new group, no issues/constraints were raised during the

monitoring meeting. But constraints expressed by other groups of the geog

would be applicable to them such as shortage of water and wildlife damage.


Bargoenpa Tshetsey Detshen


Mr. Tenzin


1774 9066


2 M 7 F 9

Geog

Phongmey

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

11th April 2014

This is also new group formed towards end of 2013 and is linked with



The group has water source but it is not enough for all especially during dry

season. Collection or harvesting of the scarce water would be useful for

vegetable production. Sprinklers could be used to apply the water as

sprinklers are water efficient. They have sown the seeds received from

Geog/Dzongkhag through the AEA.

32


Bumtang Vegetable Group


Dorji Lhamu


1787 6553


0 M 10 F 10

Geog

Phongmey

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

10th April 2014

This is yet another women vegetable group formed later than other groups

in 2014. They are also supplying vegetables to Phongmey MSS along with 6

other groups.

They have sown the seeds received from Geog/Dzongkhag through AEA in

batches to ensure steady production to supply to the school. No issues

/constraints were raised in the meeting.


Tsheykhar Tshetsey Chithuen Detshen


Thinley Namgyel


1764 5300


1 M 7 F 8

Geog

Bidung

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

8th April 2014

33

This is an old VVCP-E group formed in 2011 but identified as weak group by

the Mock Auditing exercise in 2013. From 2013, they have been supplying

vegetables to both Bidung LSS and Rangjung HSS along with other groups

from Bidung geog. Supplying vegetables to schools have eased their

marketing problem. However, when the requirement of the Rangjung HSS is

less than 1 Bolero load, then they incur loss on transport cost.

The group feels that they have done quite well as a group and no marketing

problems were faced. We clarified the criteria as why they were labelled as

weak group and what should be done to improve group management, book

keeping and ensure transparency in the group.


Bashong Vegetable Group


Pelden Dorji


1772 1524


5 M 8 F 13

Geog

Khaling

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

15th April 2014

This group was formed towards end of 2012 and had been linked with Jigme

Sherubling HSS in Khaling. This group was identified as weak group by the

Mock Auditing in 2013. During the monitoring meeting we found out that the

group had already submitted application for discontinuing as a group. Their

reasons for discontinuation were shortage of land and labour. They claimed

that the group was formed on trial basis and as group business is not

progressing well, they want to dismantle the group.

They want to grow soyabean along with potato and sell those individually.

34

Although they were linked with Jigme Sherubling HSS, they claimed that

they got chance to supply only twice to the school. There were signs that

they didn’t understand the contractual agreement. Their group management

had not gone well. For example, the members don’t know even about the

business development fund provided by RAMCO & SNV in their group

account. They blamed that they couldn’t supply to the school due to frequent

farm road blocks but the community is located just below the Tashigang-

Samdrup Jongkhar highway (about 15 minutes-walk to the highway).

We briefed them on the consequences of stopping the group functioning and

may not get support in future. They were informed that the business

development fund and greenhouse given to the group will be taken back and

given to the newly formed group of Gumchu called “Shelkhar Tshetsey

Detshen” in which two members (Pelden Dorji & Tashi Dorji) of Bashong

group has also joined.

The AEA of Khaling geog was reminded to send a copy of the letter

submitted by Bashong Vegetable Group for discontinuation of their group to

RAMCO, Mongar.


Shelkhar Tshetsey Detshen (Gumchu

Veg Group)


Kezang Dorji


1771 7965


3 M 3 F 6

Geog

Khaling

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

16th April 2014

This is the newest VVCP-E farmers group formed in 2014. Some of the

members withdrew from Dawzur group and 2 joined from the dismantled

35

Bashong Vegetable Group. The group is also supplying vegetables to the

Jigme Sherubling HSS in Khaling.

The group expressed lack of water and wild animal damage as main

constraints. Water source is there but has been disrupted by road widening

project.


Yemkhar Vegetable Group


Tenzin Dorji


1768 0774


8 M 2 F 10

Geog

Thrimshing

Dzongkhag

Tashigang

Date of monitoring

28th April 2014

This is also a very new group formed in 2014 and they have been linked with

Thunker LSS to supply vegetables on contractual basis. The group would

start supplying vegetables from May 2014. The group expressed need of

storage facilities for potato to supply to the school. No other issues/

constraints were raised.


products by FCBL starting from 2014.

36


Yalang Vegetable Group


Pema Deki


1779 0242


1 M 10 F 11

Geog

Shumar

Dzongkhag

Pemagatshel

Date of monitoring

29th April 2014

This is also a women’s group except for 1 male member. This group was

formerly formed for availing drinking water as scarcity of water is a huge

problem in Pemagatshel. Recently they have started vegetable as a group

activity. They have not used pesticides on vegetables and consequently no

summer vegetables. They have sold some vegetables in winter.


products by FCBL starting from 2014.


Bargoenpa Rinzang Tshetsey Detshen


Tenzin


1774 9066


10 M 1 F 11

Geog

Nanong

Dzongkhag

Pemagatshel

Date of monitoring

16th April 2014

37

This group had been formed from 2011 but found to be weak by the Mock

Auditing exercise in 2013. They are still not very clear about the group’s

office bearers and their roles and responsibilities. The Group Management

topics were explained to them in detail.

The group expressed that plastic crates are not convenient for transport of

vegetables as they are bulky and incurs transportation costs while bringing it

back.

The group didn’t express other issues/constraints in the meeting.


Tokari Vegetable Group


Sangay


1770 2729


14 M 4 F 18

Geog

Nanong

Dzongkhag

Pemagatshel

Date of monitoring

16th April 2014

This group had been formed from 2011 but found to be weak by the Mock

Auditing exercise in 2013. They are also still not very clear about the group’s

office bearers and their roles and responsibilities. The Group Management

topics were explained to them in detail.

As the houses of the group members are scattered, it is quite difficult for the

Group Coordinator to estimate quantity of vegetables of each member.

Therefore each member should estimate their vegetables and inform the

Group Coordinator for marketing.

The group didn’t express other issues/constraints in the meeting.

38

3.5 Action points that emerged from the monitoring exercise

During the review and planning workshop in Sep 2013, it was agreed that

monitoring would be done by the AEA in their respective geogs. It is very

important to follow up with the groups how they are performing. A monthly

monitoring would be done by the respective AEAs and submitted to DAOs

and RAMCO Mongar. The DAOs and RAMCO Mongar should respond to the

reports to ensure that AEAs will do it regularly.

Some of the actions that need to be taken immediately are as follows:

i) The 13 new groups should be provided with business development

fund to enable them to market their vegetables. Action: RAMCO

Mongar

ii) The 13 new groups should be provided Cash Memo and Seal of their

groups immediately especially for those groups that are linked with

institutes. Action: RAMCO Mongar

iii) The VVCP-E groups that didn’t receive book keeping and leadership

training earlier should be trained. Action: RAMCO Mongar to

coordinate

iv) The business development fund and greenhouse given to Bashong

Vegetable Group should be reallocated to Shelkhar Tshetsey

Detshen (Gumchu Veg Group) both under Khaling geog as the

former group is dismantled. Action: RAMCO Mongar for

business development fund and Khaling Geog AEA for

greenhouse

v) There is a need to follow up on the monitoring report which would

be submitted by the AEA per month to keep things rolling. Action:

RAMCO Mongar & DAOs

vi) The responsibility of monitoring has been passed to the AEAs but

how to do monitoring should be taught to the AEAs. Action:

RAMCO Mongar & DAOs to mobilize support for the AEAs (the

formats used by RAMCO from 2012-2014 would be useful to the

39

AEAs plus a training on conducting monitoring exercises should be

given to the AEAs).

40

Chapter 4

Database of institutes at national level for supply of vegetables

4.0 Introduction

Based on the experiences gained from the six eastern Dzongkhags on linking

farmers’ groups with institutes, it was realized that there is huge market

potential for farmers groups to supply vegetables to the institutes. Therefore

this exercise was undertaken to create an inventory of all the institutes in

the country that have a common mess requiring vegetables.

Broadly the institutes can be grouped under Schools (160), Religious Bodies

(82), Colleges (11), Vocational Institutes (7), Hospitals (30), Royal Bhutan

Police (7), Royal Bhutan Army (16) and Royal Body Guard (1). The religious

bodies can be further sub-divided under rabdeys (18), shedra/lobdra (21),

nunneries (21) and private religious organizations (22). In total, there are

314 institutes in the country that have common mess requiring vegetables

daily.

Supply of vegetables to institutes not only favors the farmers groups but

also some institutes which have difficulties in getting fresh vegetables.

Therefore the supply of vegetables to the institutes through contractual

agreement creates win-win situations for both parties (seller and buyer).

The details of vegetable requirement for different institutes are given in the

following sections. For institutes such as RBA, RBP, Vocational institutes and

Colleges, the vegetable requirements are actual figures gathered from the

institutes. For other institutes, the requirement of vegetable are estimated

based on daily minimal requirement of 200g per person. For the

determination of amount spent on vegetables, an average cost of Nu.20 per

kg of any vegetable was used.

4.1 Vegetable requirements in Boarding Schools

Although vegetables are required in WFP assisted schools, it is not included

in this exercise as those schools don’t have separate budget for vegetables.

The vegetables are met through contributions from the parents. Therefore

only 160 boarding schools (both public & private) are considered in this

exercise.

41

Table 4.1.1 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Boarding

Schools that have common mess

Name of the Institute

No. of

consumer

Qty of veg

per week

(kg)

Amount spent for

veg per week (Nu)

Jakar HSS, Bumthang 254 356 7112

Chumey MSS, Bumthang 164 230 4592

Tang MSS, Bumthang 199 279 5572

Ura LSS, Bumthang 73 102 2044

Sonam Kuenphen HSS (Pvt) 151 211 4228

Sub-total for Bumthang 841 1178 23,548

Chukha HSS, Chukha 462 647 12,936

Chapcha MSS, Chukha 305 427 8540

Kamji MSS, Chukha 337 472 9436

Pakshikha MSS, Chukha 561 785 15,708

Dungna LSS, Chukha 193 270 5404

Lokchina LSS, Chukha 181 253 5068

Bongo PS, Chukha 53 74 1484

Chimuna PS, Chukha 93 130 2604

Chungkha PS, Chukha 142 199 3976

Sinchula PS, Chukha 116 162 3248

Reldri HSS (Pvt), Chukha 289 405 8092

Sub-total for Chukha 2732 3824 76,496

Daga HSS, Dagana 344 482 9632

Drujeygang HSS, Dagana 527 738 14,756

Geserling MSS, Dagana 430 602 12,040

Tsangkha LSS, Dagana 221 309 6188

Phuensumgang PS, Dagana 160 224 4480

Sub-total for Dagana 1682 2355 47,096

Bjishong MSS, Gasa 175 245 4900

Laya LSS, Gasa 96 134 2688

Lunana PS, Gasa 75 105 2100

Sub-total for Gasa 346 484 9688

Gongzim Ugyen Dorji HSS, Haa 378 529 10,584

Tshaphel LSS, Haa 185 259 5180

Jyenkana PS, Haa 240 336 6720

Rangtse PS, Haa 154 216 4312

Sombekha PS, Haa 40 56 1120

Jampel HSS (Pvt), Haa 346 484 9688

Sub-total for Haa 1343 1880 37,604

Lhuentse HSS, 312 437 8736

Autsho MSS, Lhuentse 273 382 7644

Tangmachu MSS, Lhuentse 286 400 8008

Khoma LSS, Lhuentse 290 406 8120

Dungkhar PS, Lhuentse 65 91 1820

Wambur PS, Lhuentse 58 81 1624

Zangkhar PS, Lhuentse 108 151 3024

42

Sub-total for Lhuentse 1392 1948 38,976

Mongar HSS 346 484 9688

Gyelposhing HSS, Mongar 563 788 15,764

Yadi HSS, Mongar 409 573 11,452

Drametse MSS, Mongar 268 375 7504

Kidheykhar MSS, Mongar 83 116 2324

Kengkhar LSS, Mongar 192 269 5376

Nagor LSS, Mongar 219 307 6132

Serzhong LSS, Mongar 123 172 3444

Dhaksa PS, Mongar 65 91 1820

Jurmey PS, Mongar 136 190 3808

Narang PS, Mongar 103 144 2884

Silambi PS, Mongar 45 63 1260

Zunglen PS, Mongar 84 118 2352

Thangrong PS, Mongar 139 195 3892

Tsakaling PS, Mongar 56 78 1568

Tsamang PS, Mongar 89 484 9688

Sherub Rheldri HSS (Pvt), Mongar 201 281 5628

Sub-total for Mongar 3121 4728 94,584

Drukgyel HSS, Paro 546 764 15,288

Bitekha MSS, Paro 209 293 5852

Dawakha LSS, Paro 163 228 4564

Drukgyel LSS (Deaf), Paro 58 81 1624

Gonyetsawa PS, Paro 33 46 924

Kuenga HSS (Pvt), Paro 245 343 6860

Tenzin HSS (Pvt), Paro 327 458 9156

Utpal Academy (Pvt), Paro 175 245 4900

Yoezerling HSS (Pvt), Paro 304 426 8512

Sub-total for Paro 2060 2884 57,680

Nangkor HSS, Pemagatshel 571 799 15,988

Nganglam HSS, Pemagatshel 298 417 8344

Pemagatshel MSS 255 357 7140

Decheling LSS, Pemagatshel 126 176 3528

Gonpasingma LSS, Pemagatshel 225 315 6300

Nganglam LSS, Pemagatshel 157 220 4396

Tsebar LSS, Pemagatshel 145 203 4060

Yurung LSS, Pemagatshel 148 207 4144

Chimong PS, Pemagatshel 58 81 1624

Dungmin PS, Pemagatshel 65 91 1820

Mikuri PS, Pemagatshel 59 83 1652

Thongsa PS, Pemagatshel 59 83 1652

Tsatse PS, Pemagatshel 67 94 1876

Sub-total for Pemagatshel 2233 3126 62,524

Punakha HSS 485 679 13,580

Tashidingkha MSS, Punakha 498 697 13,944

Dechentsemo MSS, Punakha 383 536 10,724

Shengana LSS, Punakha 111 155 3108

Thinleygang PS, Punakha 134 188 3752

43

Ugyen Academy, Punakha 767 1074 21,476

Sub-total for Punakha 2378 3329 66,584

Orong HSS, SJongkhar 517 724 14476

Martshala MSS, SJongkhar 296 414 8288

Gomdar LSS, SJongkhar 265 371 7420

Minjiwoong LSS, SJongkhar 364 510 10192

Orong LSS, SJongkhar 230 322 6440

Lauri PS, SJongkhar 171 239 4788

Martshala PS, SJongkhar 193 270 5404

Dungsam Academy (Pvt), SJ 388 543 10,864

Sub-total for SJongkhar 2424 3393 67,872

Tendruk HSS, Samtse 233 724 14476

Dorokha MSS, Samtse 351 414 8288

Sengdhyen PS, Samtse 410 371 7420

Mindruling (Dumtey) PS, Samtse 106 510 10,192

Sub-total for Samtse 1100 2019 40,376

Sarpang HSS 360 504 10,080

Norbuling MSS, Sarpang 76 106 2128

Losel Gyatsho Academy, Sarpang 165 231 4620

Sub-total for Sarpang 601 841 16,828

Yangchen Gatshel LSS, Thimphu 30 42 840

Genekha LSS, Thimphu 150 210 4200

Lingzhi PS, Thimphu 62 87 1736

Sub-total for Thimphu 242 339 6776

Rangjung HSS, Tashigang 453 634 12,684

Jigme Sherubling HSS, Tashigang 400 560 11,200

Jampeling HSS, Tashigang 214 300 5992

Bartsham MSS, Tashigang 259 363 7252

Dungtse MSS, Tashigang 385 539 10,780

Gongthung MSS, Tashigang 182 255 5096

Bidung LSS, Tashigang 257 360 7196

Bikhar LSS, Tashigang 165 231 4620

Kangpar LSS, Tashigang 271 379 7588

Thungkhar LSS, Tashigang 281 393 7868

Uzorong LSS, Tashigang 265 371 7420

Wamrong LSS, Tashigang 209 293 5852

Jonkhar PS, Tashigang 53 74 1484

Lumang PS, Tashigang 102 143 2856

Merak PS, Tashigang 11 15 308

Nivi Khaling PS, Tashigang 41 57 1148

Tokshingmang PS, Tashigang 125 175 3500

Tashitse HSS, Tashigang 502 703 14,056

Sub-total for Tashigang 4175 5845 116,900

Baylling HSS, Tashiyangtse 364 510 10,192

Ramjar MSS, Tashiyangtse 130 182 3640

Tsenkharla MSS, Tashiyangtse 375 525 10,500

Bumdeling LSS, Tashiyangtse 251 351 7028

Kheni LSS, Tashiyangtse 121 169 3388

44

Thragom LSS, Tashiyangtse 203 284 5684

Tongmijangsa LSS, Tashiyangtse 235 329 6580

Tarphel PS, Tashiyangtse 88 123 2464

Sub-total for Tashiyangtse 1767 2473 49,476

Sherubling HSS, Trongsa 205 287 5740

Taktse MSS, Trongsa 499 699 13,972

Samcholing MSS, Trongsa 201 281 5628

Langthel LSS, Trongsa 107 150 2996

Tsangkha LSS, Trongsa 200 280 5600

Bemji PS, Trongsa 35 49 980

Jangbi PS, Trongsa 40 56 1120

Korphu PS, Trongsa 37 52 1036

Sub-total for Trongsa 1324 1854 37,072

Damphu HSS, Tsirang 372 521 10,416

Mendregang MSS, Tsirang 450 630 12,600

Tsirangtoe LSS, Tsirang 157 220 4396

Sub-total for Tsirang 979 1371 27,412

Phobjikha MSS, Wangdue 208 291 5824

Samtengang MSS, Wangdue 418 585 11,704

Gaselo LSS, Wangdue 132 185 3696

Nobding LSS, Wangdue 187 262 5236

Nahi PS, Wangdue 85 119 2380

Sha Tasha PS, Wangdue 106 148 2968

Singye Namgyel PS, Wangdue 134 188 3752

Sub-total for Wangdue 1270 1778 35,560

Zhemgang HSS 291 407 8148

Buli MSS, Zhemgang 312 437 8736

Sonam Thang MSS, Zhemgang 365 511 10,220

Yebilaptsa MSS, Zhemgang 338 473 9464

Gomphu LSS, Zhemgang 134 188 3752

Bardo PS, Zhemgang 49 69 1372

Barpong PS, Zhemgang 20 28 560

Bjoka PS, Zhemgang 97 136 2716

Goshing PS, Zhemgang 90 126 2520

Khomshar PS, Zhemgang 78 109 2184

Langdurbi PS, Zhemgang 37 52 1036

Panbang PS, Zhemgang 64 90 1792

Pantang PS, Zhemgang 58 81 1624

Shingkhar PS, Zhemgang 115 161 3220

Tashibi PS, Zhemgang 55 77 1540

Sub-total for Zhemgang 2103 2945 58,884

Total for schools in Bhutan 34,113 48,594 971,936

According to the Annual Education Statistics 2013, there are 53,307

students benefitting from the school feeding programme of which 33,489 are

boarding students and 19,818 are day feeding students. The weekly

45

requirement of vegetables for boarding schools in the whole country is

48,594 kg at a cost of Nu.971,936 or 2041 ton/academic year (42 weeks)

costing about Nu.40,820,000.

From Table 4.1.1, boarding schools in Tashigang Dzongkhag has the highest

requirement of vegetables (5845 kg/week costing Nu.116,900 per week)

followed by Mongar Dzongkhag (4728 kg/week equivalent to Nu.94,584) and

Chukha Dzongkhag (3824 kg/week equivalent to Nu.76,496). Boarding

schools in Dzongkhags such as Paro, Punakha, Pemagatshel, Samdrup

Jongkhar and Zhemgang require close to 3000 kg per week while boarding

schools in other Dzongkhags require more than 1000 kg per week except for

Gasa and Thimphu Dzongkhags which require less than 500 kg per week.

4.2 Vegetable requirements by religious institutes

There are 82 religious institutes in the country that have common mess

requiring vegetables. The institutes can be further sub-divided into 18

Rabdeys & Zhung Dratshang (consists of monks residing in district

headquarters); 21 Shedras & Lobdras (equivalent to colleges & schools); 21

Nunneries; and 22 private religious organizations which has both shedras

and lobdras.

An important point has to be mentioned about residence of monks i.e.

monks could be registered in any Dzongkhag but their actual residence could

be in some other place. Therefore one cannot go by registration for head

counts as the physical presence of the monk could be elsewhere. For

example, half of the monks registered under Chukha Dzongkhag are residing

outside the Dzongkhag mostly in Shedras. Therefore for the present

exercise, the concerned incharge in each institute was contacted to get the

information on number of monks residing there at present. The same

strategy has to be followed in the future for contractual agreements and not

merely going by the registration data.

For the present exercise, the contact information was obtained from the

Dratshang Lhentshog Office in Tashichoedzong. For actual number of monks

residing in a particular institute, the information was obtained from the

concerned incharge in that particular institute through telephone. The

information on the nunneries was obtained from a guidebook on nunneries in

46

Bhutan. The information on private religious organizations was obtained

from Department of Culture under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs

and through contact with each of the institutes through telephone.

Although there are 82 religious institutes having common mess, the

requirement of vegetables is low especially in the nunneries and the private

religious institutes as given in fig.4.2.1.

The vegetable requirements for Rabdeys and Zhung Dratshang are given in

Table 4.2.1.

Table 4.2.1 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Rabdeys &

Zhung Dratshang that has common mess

Name of the

Institute

(Rabdey)

No. of

consumer

Qty of

veg per

week

(kg)

Amount

spent for

veg per

week (Nu)

Contact details

(Rabdey Drungchen)

Wangdue 150 210 4200 Thinley Yoezer 17626544

Rimpong (Paro) 105 147 2940 Doley 17610552

Dagana 125 175 3500 Daw Wangdi 17608677

Choetsey

(Trongsa &

Bumthang)

110 154 3080 Kinley 17113811

Sonam Yeshey 17601887

Zhemgang 85 119 2380 Lham Dorji 17120044

Trashigang 120 168 3360 Karma Dupchu 17118383

Mongar 70 98 1960 Tandin Tshering 17663612

Tsirang 115 161 3220 Lab Tshering 17856878

Gelephu

(Sarpang)

60 84 1680 Yonten Jamtsho 17615520

Haa 90 126 2520 Tshewang 17604638

Pemagatshel 95 133 2660 Dupchu Wangdi 17697919

Samtse 100 140 2800 Sonam Dendup 17641846

Chhukha 100 140 2800 Yangka Penjor 17111935

Gasa 120 168 3360 Dawa Tenzin 17664856

Tashi Yangtse 110 154 3080 Sherab Gyeltshen 17604786

S/Jongkhar 95 133 2660 Pema Tashi 17881169

Lhuentse 115 161 3220 Chimmi Tshewang 17116233/545170

Zhung Dratshang 300 420 8400 Lop Dorji

Thimphu/Punakha

Total 2065 2891 57,820

The total vegetable requirement for Rabdeys and Zhung Dratshang is 2891

kg per week equivalent to Nu.57,820 or 150 ton per year equivalent to

47

Nu.3,000,000 annually. Among the Rabdeys, the Zhung Dratshang (Thimphu

and Punakha) has the highest requirement for vegetables (420 kg per week

equivalent to Nu.8400) followed by Wangdue Rabdey at 210 kg per week

equivalent to Nu.4200. 10 Rabdeys has between 100 to 125 monks requiring

140-175 kg per week while six Rabdeys has less than 100 monks.

In addition to the vegetables, the Zhung Dratshang requires 500 balls of

local cheese and 2 cartoons (420) eggs per week.

The vegetable requirement in Shedras and Lobdras are given in Table 4.2.2.

Table 4.2.2 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Shedras &

Lobdras that has common mess

Name of the

Institute

Shedra/Lobdra

No. of

consumer

Qty of

veg per

week

(kg)

Amount

spent for

veg per

week (Nu)

Contact details

(Shedra/Lobdra Udzin)

Tango Shedra 360 504 10,080 Sangay Dorji 17604336

Kabisa geog, Thimphu

Simtokha Shedra 130 182 3640 Tshering Dorji 77640393

Chang geog, Thimphu

Dordedra Shedra 175 245 4900 Kinley Tenzin 17140561

Chang geog Thimphu

Sangchhokhor

Shedra

140 196 3920 Phuntsho 17114792

Lamgong geog, Paro

Leksheyjungney

Shedra

104 146 2912 Gyeltshen 17757843/584450

Chubhu geog, Punakha

Sewla Shedra 95 133 2660 Nima 17643426

Chubhu geog, Punakha

Nalanda Shedra 135 189 3780 Tshewang 17353449

Talo geog, Punakha

Talo Shedra 105 147 2940 Dorji 17643708

Talo geog, Punakha

Rinchenling

Shedra

245 343 6860 Tenzin Choda 77101441

Bjena Geog, Wangdue

Tshangkha

Shedra

28 39 784 Pema Chophel 17634531

Tangsibe geog, Trongsa

Keydheykhar

Shedra

115 161 3220 Ngawang Tenzin 17172707

Mongar geog, Mongar

Kanglung Shedra 250 350 7000 Karma Rangdrol 17644802

Kanglung geog, Tashigang

Tali Shedra 94 132 2632 Ugyen Lhendup 17989297

Nangkor geog, Zhemgang

Sangchen Dorji

Lhendup Shedra

85 119 2380 Kunzang Thinley 17672823

Guma geog, Punakha

48

Phuntsholing

Shedra

70 98 1960 Tashi Tshering 17119255

Phuntsholing geog, Chhukha

Cheri Dupdey 107 150 2996 Lop Passang 17645888


Dechen Phodrang

Zherim Tewa

200 280 5600 Kencho Tshering 17111925


Pangrizampa

Tsizhung Lobdra

65 91 1820 Ugyen Dorji 17676742


Gongthong Lobdra 17 24 476 Ugyen Tashi 17648363

Yangneer geog, Tashigang

Talakha Lobdra 33 46 924 Choeten 17606854/77606854

Chang geog, Thimphu

Phajoding Lobdra 50 70 1400 Chhimi Dorji 17118313

Chang geog, Thimphu

Total 2603 3645 72,884

Unlike Rabdeys and Zhung Dratshang, Shedras and Lobdras has about one

month break in winter. Therefore their requirement for vegetables is for

about 11 months or 48 weeks. From Table 4.2.2, the total vegetable

requirement for Shedras and Lobdras is 3645 kg per week equivalent to

Nu.72,884 or 175 ton for 11 months equivalent to Nu.3,500,000 annually.

Tango Shedra has the highest number of monks (360) requiring 504 kg of

vegetables per week equivalent to Nu.10,080 while Gongthong Lobdra under

Yangneer geog in Tashigang has the least number of monks at 17 requiring

only 24 kg of vegetables per week. The Gongthong Lobdra is under

renovation from the 2009 earthquake. 15 of its monks are temporarily

housed in Gomphukora under Tashiyangtse Dzongkhag.

The vegetable requirements for the nunneries in the country are given in

Table 4.2.3. The total requirement of vegetables in the nunneries is 1419 kg

per week at a cost of Nu.28,352 or 74 ton per year equivalent to

Nu.1,480,000 annually.

The Pema Thegchok Choling Nyingmapa College in Bumthang has the

highest number of nuns at 150 requiring 210 kg of vegetables per week at a

cost of Nu.4200 or 10,920 kg per annum equivalent to Nu.218,000 annually.

Besides the above nunnery, there are only two other nunneries (Shechen

Ugyen Chozong and Karma Drupdey Palmo Chokyi Dingkhang) which has

slightly over 100 nuns. The rest of the nunneries have less than 100 nuns

per respective nunnery.

49

Table 4.2.3 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for Nunneries in

Bhutan that have common mess

Name of the

Institute

No. of

consumer

Qty of

veg

per

week

(kg)

Amount

spent for

veg per

week

(Nu)

Contact details

Pema Thegchok

Choling

Nyingmapa

College

150 210 4200 Ani Pema Dechen 17835984/17712704

Tang Bezur, Bumthang

Tsamang

Shedrup

Chokorling

17 24 476 Khenpo Thinley Namgyal 17875513

Tsamang geog, Mongar

Tormashong

Nunnery

10 14 280 Lopen Samten Lhamo 17671680

Tormashong, Tsakaling geog, Mongar

Kila Dechen

Yangtse

45 63 1260 Lama Yonten 77241859

Kila Gonpa (below Chelela), Paro

Chodpa Gonpa

Yoesel Choling

9 13 252 Ani Drupchu Zangmo 17720583

Gayri Woong Chelu, Nanong, Pemagatshel

Gayri Gonpa

Ugyen

Phuntshok

Choling

9 13 252 Ani Nyima 17818216

Gayri Woong Chelu, Nanong, Pemagatshel

Jashar Lhundrup

Choling

45 63 1260 Ani Norbu Lhaden 17703367

Jashar Woong, Zobel geog, Pemagatshel

Ugyen Thegchok

Yangtse Gonpa

32 45 896 Ani Drilam Zangmo 17724258

Todpalung, Shumar geog, Pemagatshel

Paljor Choling

Shedra

44 62 1232 Ani Pema Seldon 17113088

Dorangthang, Bap geog, Punakha

Ugyen Zangdok

Palri Gonpa

45 63 1260 Ani Chodon 17683089 Ani Ugyen 17696509

Dorangthang, Bap geog, Punakha

Sangchen Dorji

Lhundrup

Choling

98 137 2744 Khenpo Kunzang Thinley 17672823

Wolakha, Guma geog, Punakha

Ngagyur Drolma

Lhakhang

15 21 420 Ani Dungchen Dolma 17286264

Tshothang, Lauri geog, Samdrup Jongkhar

Ugyen Samten

Choling

4 6 112 Ani Samten Lhamo 17978648

Keptang, Martsala geog, Samdrup Jongkhar

Sherab Yoesel

Choling

20 28 560 Ani Woesel Wangmo 17602823

Pelrithang, Martsala, Samdrup Jongkhar

Sherab Choling

Dingrim Shedra

37 52 1036 Khenpo Tshering 17150571/77411311

Chuzodgang, Sershong geog, Sarpang

Ngagyur

Shedrup Choling

Dratshang

31 43 868 Lama yeshey Dorji 17150572/77150572

Tashiphug, Sershong geog, Sarpang

Thekchok

Kunzang

95 133 2660 Ani Jinpa Lhamo 17619342/17130947

Khardung, Radhi geog, Tashigang

50

Choden

Nyingmapa

College

Samten Choling 18 25 504 Head nun 17725967

Mukhazor, Lumang geog, Tashigang

Shechen Ugyen

Chozong

105 147 2940 Bikshuni Kencho Wangmo 17600095

Wangsisina, Mewang geog, Thimphu

Dewachen

Drupthop Gonpa

45 75 1500 Ani Ngawang Pal 17625609, office 0232414

Ani Pema 17653433 Zilukha, Thimphu

Karma Drupdey

Palmo Chokyi

Dingkhang

130 182 3640 [email protected] Office 17664131

www.karmadrubdeynunnery.bt

Kuenga Rabten, Dragten geog, Trongsa

Total 1004 1419 28,352

The requirement of vegetables in private religious organizations is given in

Table 4.2.4. The total requirement of vegetables in the private religious

organizations is 3273 kg per week equivalent to Nu.65,464 or 157 ton per

annum costing Nu.3,140,000 annually. Among the private religious

organizations, Kharchu Dratshang has the highest number of monks at 522

requiring 731 kg of vegetables per week costing Nu.14,616 followed by

Gangtey Shedra at 285 and Dremetse Terser Dratshang at 200 monks.

Table 4.2.4 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure for private

religious institutes registered under Department of Culture

Name of the

Institute

No. of

consumer

Qty of

veg

per

week

(kg)

Amount

spent for

veg per

week

(Nu)

Contact details

Kharchu

Dratshang

522 731 14,616 333912/17716302

Bumthang

Rangjung

Dratshang

143 200 4004 324313

Shongphu geog, Tashigang

Chador

Lhakhang

75 105 2100 338037

Bartsham geog, Tashigang

Mahayana org 65 91 1820 77289934

Khen Buli, Nangkor, Zhemgang

Tein Choekhor 95 133 2660 08271866

Sasamchoeten, Tsento geog, Paro

Jamyang

Khentsey org

85 119 2380 07260123

Deothang, Orong geog, Samdrup Jongkhar

Doeyjung

Terling

120 168 3360 17751395

Jomotshangkhar, Samdrup Jongkhar

Jamgoen 70 98 1960 17530453

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.karmadrubdeynunnery.bt/

51

Zhitsag Jomotshangkhar, Samdrup Jongkhar

Pemasambhava

Samdrupcholing

55 77 1540 17616319

Samdrupcholing Dungkhag, S/Jongkhar

Phachog

Samdrup

Choling

25 35 700 17834899

Jomotshangkhar, Samdrup Jongkhar

Peling Chokey

Gatsel (Gangtey

Gonpa)

60 84 1680 HO: Pedling Hotel 17686299

Gangtey geog, Wangdue Phodrang

Gangtey Shedra 285 399 7980 HO: Pedling Hotel 17686299

Gangtey geog, Wangdue Phodrang

Kiliya Zhitshog 130 182 3640 17114111

Barshong Khaling geog, Tashigang

Paytseyling

Gonpa

70 98 1960 334022

Bumthang

Pema Yoesel

Choling

65 91 1820 17605831

Bjimina, Mewang geog, Thimphu

Kadoling

Choetsey

55 77 1540 03540310

Kuenga Rabten, Dragten geog, Trongsa

Dremetse Terser

Dratshang

200 280 5600 17953122

Dremetse geog, Mongar

Kathog Yoesel

Samten Choling

45 63 1260 77325088

Kazhi geog, Wangdue

Araya-tarey

Zhitshog

53 74 1484 17890263

Zhemgang

Thoenphu

Gonpa

35 49 980 07441212

Tsebar geog, Pemagatshel

Nimalung 45 63 1260 Bumthang

Tharpaling 40 56 1120 Bumthang

Total 2338 3273 65,464

The weekly vegetable requirement and expenditures for different types of

religious institutes are summarized in fig.4.2.1.

The total number of consumers in religious institutes is 8010 which requires

11,228 kg of vegetables per week equivalent to Nu.224,500 weekly. On an

annual basis, the requirement translates to 584 ton of vegetables at a cost

of Nu.11,680,000.

Among the religious institutes, Shedras and Lobdras has the highest

requirement of vegetables (3645 kg per week) followed by private religious

institutes (3273 kg per week). Nunneries have the least requirement of

vegetables at 1419 kg per week.

52

Fig.4.2.1 Weekly vegetable requirement (kg) and expenditures by different

types of religious institutes

4.3 Vegetable requirement in Colleges under RUB and private college

The requirements of vegetables for colleges under RUB and in a private

college are given in Table 4.3.1. Although there is potential to supply

vegetables to the self-catering students, only boarding students are

considered in this exercise.

From Table 4.3.1, the total requirement of vegetables in the 11 colleges is

6498 kg per week equivalent to Nu.129,976 or 273 ton per academic year

which would costs Nu.5,460,000 annually.

Royal Thimphu College has the highest number of boarding students (578)

followed by Sherubtse College (535) and Institute of Language and Cultural

Studies (504). The National Institute of Traditional Medicine has the least

number of boarding students at 61.

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

Rabdey &Dratshang

Shedra &Lobdra

Nunneries Privateinstitutes

Total

2891 3645 1419 3273 11,228

57,800 72,884

28352

65,464

224,500

kg/wk

Nu/wk

53

Table 4.3.1 Weekly vegetable requirement in Colleges under Royal

University of Bhutan and private college that has common mess


No. of

consumer

Qty of veg per

week (kg)

Amount spent for

veg per week (Nu)

College of natural resources 300 420 8400

College of Science & Technology 450 630 12600

Institute of Language & Cultural

Studies

504 706 14112

Jigme Namgyel Polytechnic 400 560 11200

National Institute of Traditional

Medicine

61 85 1708

Paro College of Education 708 991 19824

Royal Institute of Health Sc 250 350 7000

Samtse College of Education 450 630 12600

Sherubtse College 535 749 14980

Gaeddu College of Business

Studies

406 568 11368

Royal Thimphu College 578 809 16184

Total 4642 6498 129,976

4.4 Vegetable requirements in Vocational Institutes (TTI & IZC)

There are five Technical Training Institutes (TTI) and two Institutes for Zorig

Chusum (IZC) under the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources that have

common mess. Their vegetable requirements are given in Table 4.4.1.

The total weekly vegetable requirement in the vocational institutes is 2600

kg at a cost of Nu.76,605 or 125 ton per academic year equivalent to

Nu.2,500,000 annually.

Among the Vocational institutes, the vegetable requirements and

expenditures are actual figures collected from the institutes. Therefore

although Samthang TTI has highest number of students (321), their

requirement of vegetables is only 450 kg per week with an expenditure of

Nu.18,651 while Khuruthang TTI with only 240 students had higher

requirement of vegetables (500 kg per week) but with less expenditure

(Nu.18,490 per week).

Thimphu IZC has the lowest number of students at 87 requiring only 130 kg

per week.

54

Table 4.4.1 Weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for TTI and IZC

under MoLHR that have common mess


No. of

consumer

Qty of veg per week

(kg)

Amount spent for

veg per week (Nu)

Khuruthang TTI 240 510 18,490

Samthang TTI 321 450 18,651

Rangjung TTI 235 500 13,000

Sershong TTI 171 391 10,092

Chumey TTI 164 230 4592

Thimphu IZC 87 130 6000

Tashi Yangtse IZC 170 389 7780

Total 1388 2600 78,605

4.5 Vegetable requirement in Hospitals

Although there are 30 hospitals serving meals to patients, the quantity of

vegetables required is much lower compared to other institutes except for

JDWNRH in Thimphu which requires 490 kg of vegetables weekly amounting

to Nu.9800 (Table 4.5.1).

Table 4.5.1 Estimated weekly vegetable requirement and expenditure for

Hospitals that require vegetables for patients

Name of the

Institute

(Hospitals)

No. of

consumer

(Available

bed)

Qty of

veg per

week

(kg)

Amount spent

for veg per

week (Nu)

Contact details

(Adm/Store Incharge of

respective hospitals)

Tsimalakha 26 36 728 Chhukha

Phuntsholing 50 70 1400 Chhukha

Gedu 20 28 560 Chhukha

Damphu 20 28 560 Tsirang

Dagapela 20 28 560 Dagana

Yebilaptsa 60 84 1680 Zhemgang

Bumthang 20 28 560 Bumthang

S/Jongkhar 45 63 1260 S/Jongkhar

Deothang RBA 40 56 1120 S/Jongkhar

Lhuentse 20 28 560 Lhuentse

Yangtse 22 31 616 Yangtse

Mongar RR 80 112 2240 Mongar

Trashigang 45 63 1260 Trashigang

Riserboo 10 14 280 Trashigang

Youngphula RBA 10 14 280 Trashigang

Pemagatshel 20 28 560 Pemagatshel

55

JDWNRH 350 490 9800 Thimphu IBF Thimphu 10 14 280 Thimphu Lungtenphu RBA 50 70 1400 Thimphu Gidakom 64 90 1792 Thimphu Bajo 30 42 840 Wangduephodrang

Tencholing RBA 20 28 560 Wangduephodrang

Samtse 60 84 1680 Samtse

Gomtu 15 21 420 Samtse

Sibsoo 15 21 420 Samtse

Punakha 40 56 1120 Punakha

Gelephu 60 84 1680 Sarpang

Sarpang 15 21 420 Sarpang

Paro 40 56 1120 Paro

IMTRAT Haa 10 14 280 Haa

Total 1287 1802 36,036

The vegetable requirement of the hospitals is determined from the number

of beds in each hospital. Therefore the actual requirement of vegetables

would vary a lot depending on admission of patients. Therefore quantity of

vegetables required by hospitals would vary from week to week. The

estimated vegetable requirement for hospitals is given in Table 4.5.1.

The estimated total weekly vegetable requirements in the hospitals is 1802

kg which would cost Nu.36,036. This would translate to 94 ton per annum

equivalent to Nu.1,880,000 annually.

4.6 Vegetable requirement in Royal Bhutan Police (RBP)

For security reasons, the number of consumers is not revealed for RBP and

other security forces. The total weekly requirements of vegetables of RBP

(including prisons) is 4018 kg at a cost of Nu.80,360 weekly (Table 4.6.1)

which translates to 209 ton per annum which is equivalent to Nu.4,180,000

annually.

From the RBP institutes, Chamgang Central Jail has the highest requirement

of vegetables (2171 kg per week costing Nu.43,420) followed by Jigmeling

Training Centre in Gelephug at 703 kg per week equivalent to Nu.14,060.

The rest of the institutes require less than 500 kg of vegetables per week

(Table 4.6.1).

56

Table 4.6.1 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure for RBP and

prisons that have common mess


No. of

consumer

Qty of veg per

week (kg)

Amount spent for

veg per week (Nu)

RBP Thimphu - 187 3740

Training Centre Gelephu - 703 14,060

Chamgang Central Jail - 2171 43,420

Thimphu Jail - 439 8780

Lungzor Jail Tashigang - 127 2540

Samtse Jail - 205 4100

Samdrup Jongkhar Jail - 186 3720

Total - 4018 80,360

4.7 Vegetable requirement of Royal Bhutan Army (RBA)

The requirement of vegetables by the 16 RBA institutes is significantly high

compared to other institutes. In some of the remote institutes such as SI in

Haa Damthang, they are facing shortages of vegetable supply. Therefore

contractual supply of vegetables would ease the problem.

Table 4.7.1 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure by RBA that

have common mess


No. of

consumer

Qty of veg per

week (kg)

Amount spent for

veg per week (Nu)

Wing I Tendu - 1081 21,620

Wing II Phuntsholing - 7274 145,480

Wing V Sibsoo - 2773 55,468

Wing VII Shaba - 9125 182,509

Wing VIII Samtse - 3936 78,711

Wing IX Gelephu - 6829 136,580

Wing X Deothang - 6689 133,784

Wing XI Damthang - 3871 77,420

Wing XII Tencholing - 3254 65,080

MTC Tencholing - 8968 179,369

SI Haa - 694 13,880

BHQ Phuntsholing - 945 18,900

19 (I) Coy Daifam - 816 16,315

22 (I) Coy Chhukha - 1509 30,718

OP Dagapela - 294 5872

AHQ Lungtenphu - 29,686 593,728

Total 87,744 1,755,434

57

From Table 4.7.1, the total weekly vegetable requirement of RBA institutes

is 87,744 kg which would cost Nu.1,755,434. On annual basis, the institutes

would require 4563 ton of vegetables incurring expenditure of

Nu.91,260,000

Among the RBA institutes, Army Headquarter (AHQ) in Lungtenphu has the

highest requirement of vegetables at 29,686 kg per week equivalent to

Nu.593,728 followed by Wing VII Shaba at 9125 kg per week and

expenditure of Nu.182,509. The third highest consumption is by Military

Training Centre (MTC) in Tencholing at 8968 kg per week with an

expenditure of Nu.179,360 weekly.

4.8 Vegetable requirement of Royal Body Guard (RBG)

Although there is common mess in the RBG the requirement of vegetables is

very erratic as they are always on the move on VIP duties. Therefore it is

not advisable to make contractual agreement to supply vegetables to the

RBG.

Their weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure is given in Table

4.8.1 below.

Table 4.8.1 Weekly requirement of vegetables and expenditure in RBG

Dechencholing

Name of the

Institute

No. of

consumer

Qty of

veg

per

week

(kg)

Amount

spent

for veg

per

week

(Nu)

Contact details

RBG - 98 1960 Dechencholing, Thimphu

4.9 Analysis of vegetable requirements in various institutes

The total annual requirement of vegetables for all the institutes in the

country is 7861 ton with expenditure of Nu.157,220,000 (fig.4.9.1) which

implies that there is market for 7861 ton of vegetables where farmers can

earn an income of Nu.157,220,000 annually by supplying vegetables to the

institutes.

58

From fig.4.9.1, among the various institutes, vegetable requirement is

highest for RBA at 4563 ton with an expenditure of Nu.91,260,000 annually.

In terms of percentage, RBA constitutes 58% of all the vegetable

requirements of institutes (fig.4.9.2).

Boarding schools requires the second highest quantity of vegetables at 2014

ton annually with an expenditure of Nu.40,820,000 and constitutes 26% of

all vegetable requirement by the institutes. Religious institutes at 556 ton

per annum with expenditure of Nu.11,120,000 and 7% is third highest in

terms of vegetable requirement.

The rest of the institutes constitute 9% of vegetable requirement (fig.4.9.2).

Fig.4.9.1 Annual requirement of vegetable (ton) and expenditures (Nu) for

various institutes in the country

Schools Religious Colleges TTI & IZC Hospitals RBP RBA Total

2041 556 273 125 94 209 4563 7861

408,20,000

111,20,000 54,60,000

25,00,000 18,80,000

41,80,000

912,60,000

1572,20,000 Annual quantity of veg (ton) required by the institutes

Annual expenditure (Nu) for veg

59

Fig.4.9.2 Percent requirement of vegetables in various institutes

4.10.0 Way forward

As described under section 4.9, there is huge market potential in the

institutes for vegetables. Taking cue from the success of six eastern

Dzongkhags in supplying vegetable to the institutes through contractual

agreement, the model should be up-scaled at the national level to take

advantage of the available institutional markets.

The following recommendations are suggested for up-scaling the institutional

supply model in the whole country:

i) Create awareness among the main stakeholders (Agriculture

Extension Agents (AEA), Dzongkhag Agriculture Officers, Gups and

Geog Administrative officers through Dzongkhag workshops

ii) Support the AEAs to form farmers vegetable groups or encourage

existing farmers groups to grow vegetables for institutional supply

iii) Build capacity of especially the AEAs of the geogs to facilitate

linking process of contractual agreement

Schools

26%

Religious

Institutes

7%

Colleges

3%

TTI & IZC

2% Hospitals

1% RBP

3%

RBA

58%

60

iv) Support AEAs in preparing action plan for institutional linkage and

in implementing the linking process

v) It is strongly recommended to follow the “Guidelines for facilitation

of contractual supply of RNR products by farmers’ groups to

institutes” developed by SNV Bhutan and Regional Agricultural

Marketing Office in Mongar in 2014.

61

5.0 References

1. Annual Education Statistics 2013: Policy & Planning Division, Ministry of

Education. Royal Government of Bhutan.

2. Annual health Bulletin 2013: Towards generating quality Health

Information. Ministry of Health. Royal Government of Bhutan.

3. Guidelines for facilitation of contractual supply of RNR products by

farmers’ groups to institutes (2014). SNV Bhutan & RAMCO. Ministry of

Agriculture and Forests. Royal Government of Bhutan.

4. Guidelines on Nunneries in Bhutan 2012.

5. The Royal University of Bhutan: Reaching New Heights. Annual Report

2013.

62

6.0 Annexures

Annex 1.3: List of participants who attended the Dzongkhag level workshops

in the six eastern Dzongkhags

Annex 3.1: Schedule of monitoring of the 18 new/weak farmers groups

Annex 3.4: List of participants who attended the monitoring meetings of the

18 farmers groups

Documents

Capacity building of stakeholders involved in ......institutes with farmers groups in the Dzongkhag workshops. Monitoring of 13 new and 5 weaker farmers vegetable groups was done